FAMILY SERVICE WORKER

$36,155 - $57,668/Yr

State of Arkansas - Fordyce, AR

Full-time - Entry Level

Fordyce, AR

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Family Service Worker is responsible for providing protective foster care and supportive services for abused or neglected children. This role involves investigating child abuse and neglect complaints, developing case plans, and providing counseling and guidance to clients. The position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policies, ensuring the safety and well-being of children in crisis situations.

Responsibilities

• Investigates suspected child abuse and neglect complaints by making on-site visits, securing background information, and interviewing parties involved.
• Discusses investigative findings and observations with supervisor and recommends the opening of protective services, foster care, or supportive services cases.
• Intervenes in crisis situations, removes the child from the home if the situation is life threatening, and arranges for temporary placement in foster homes, group homes, or treatment facilities.
• Develops a case plan to establish goals, objectives, tasks and time frames for all parties involved in the case.
• Provides counseling and guidance to clients in defining their needs, interests, and courses of action and refers clients to other professionals, agencies, services, or community resources appropriate to clients' problems.
• Recruits and trains families, conducts home studies and family assessments to determine appropriate child placements, and visits clients and/or foster parents on a regular basis to monitor progress toward case objectives.
• Documents all case work activities and developments and prepares court reports for custody hearings and presents testimony when necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, or a related field.
• Successful completion of a six month training class within agency core training period.
• Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of counseling, social work, and case management.
• Knowledge of the principles, techniques, and methods of investigating.
• Ability to evaluate family problems and develop a plan of action for improving relationships.
• Ability to interview and obtain information.
• Ability to prepare, present, and review oral and written technical and confidential information and reports.

Benefits

• Anticipated Starting Salary: $36,155.00
• Salary Range: $36,155.00 - $57,668.00